Registered Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Nursing

REPORTS TO: Director of Nursing

FLSA :  Nonexempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Nursing Supervisor, Unit Manager, or Director of Nursing (Nurse Leader), the Charge Nurse ensures the delivery of efficient and effective nursing care while achieving positive clinical outcomes and patient/family satisfaction.  He/she operates within the scope of practice defined by the State Nurse Practice Act and delegates aspects of patient care to licensed and unlicensed staff consistent with their scope of practice.  The Charge Nurse manages patient care and collaborates with the nursing team and other disciplines, patients and families to ensure the development of effective plans of care.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1.           Administrative:

1.1            Collaborates with the Nurse Leader to:

1.1.1           Exchange information regarding patient care, condition and all matters

related to patient care and unit operations (i.e., admission, discharges, transfers, out of or within the building), and makes recommendations to meet needs;

1.1.2           Maintain adequate nursing coverage to provide safe nursing care;

1.2            Ensures that patients' needs are met including:

1.2.1           Call lights are answered promptly;

1.2.2           Patient/family concerns are addressed;

1.2.3           Assisting with physician appointments;

1.3            Collaborates with other departments to provide timely effective care consistent with individuals’ needs, choices and preferences;

1.4            Answers any/all emergencies throughout the shift (i.e., change of condition, starting

IVs, pronouncement of death);

1.5            Stays and works beyond scheduled shift if needed to meet state staffing requirements and/or needs of patients;

1.6            Promotes a culture of safety to ensure a healthy practice and living environment;

1.7            Participates in meetings to address patient care, survey and/or standards of care issues as requested;

2.           Clinical Leadership:

2.1            Ensures patient care assignments are consistent with staff competencies, scope of practice and the needs of the patients;

2.2            Promotes an environment that is respectful, team oriented and responsive to the concerns of staff, patients and families;

2.3            Completes rounds on the unit to observe patients and to determine if nursing needs are being met;

2.4            Provides patient care when required;

2.5            Monitors nursing care to ensure positive clinical outcomes and minimize rehospitalizations;

2.6            Ensures Point Click Care (PCC) is utilized according to the Business Processes;

2.7            Contacts attending physician to obtain orders as indicated (i.e., admission, change in condition, etc.);

2.8            Oversees medication management to ensure adequate supplies and that all medications are handled in accordance with Recover-Care policy;

2.9            Ensures communication between licensed nursing staff and CNAs during and between shifts;

2.10        Participates in shift-to-shift communication between incoming and outgoing nursing

staff;

2.11        Ensures that Physician Orders are followed as prescribed;

2.12        Ensures timely and accurate compliance of the MDS process and that it reflects the patient's plan of care as requested;

2.13        Ensures that patient's attending physician and family or responsible party are promptly notified of any significant change in the patient's health condition;

2.14        Coordinates discharge planning process for assigned patients;

2.15        Investigates patient/family complaints and takes appropriate actions to bring to resolution;

3.           Education:

3.1            Identifies educational needs of the staff and communicates needs to the Nurse Leader;

3.2            Participates in the evaluation of staff competency as requested;

3.3            Demonstrates, teaches and evaluates nursing skills utilized in direct patient care of the unit's specific patient population;

4.           Quality Improvement:

4.1            Participates in quality improvement activities as requested;

4.2            Ensures that the patients’ Care Plans are implemented and periodically reviewed and modified as necessary;

4.3            Ensures that Physician Orders are followed as prescribed;

4.4            Ensures complete and prompt reporting of incidents, accidents, and adverse events to the Nurse Leader;

5.           Enhances nursing practice by attending all mandated in-service programs and other GHC and outside professional education programs;

6.           Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive Protected Health Information (PHI) at all times;

7.           Performs other duties as requested.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1.           Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, college or university with a current registered nurse licensure by the State Board of Nursing.

2.           A minimum of two years full-time or equivalent clinical experience is required and a minimum of one years of clinical experience in long-term care nursing is preferred.

3.           This position requires that the employee is able to read, write, speak and understand the spoken English language to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients and visitors at the work site when responding to their medical and physical needs.

4.           Must provide verification of TST (tuberculin skin test) as required by state law and in accordance with Company policy. TSTs will be administered at the work site if required.